The Spotlight Forum at interpack 2026 will be the central knowledge exchange platform for the packaging and plastics processing industries. From 7 to 13 May in Düsseldorf, around 75 presentations, sessions and panel discussions are planned, focusing on the sector’s key challenges. Core topics include European packaging regulation, efficient use of resources, digitisation and intelligent systems, the circular economy, innovative materials and the recruitment and retention of skilled workers. Under the motto “7 days, 7 topics”, the forum is a joint initiative of interpack, dfv Conference Group and PackReport and aims to integrate the perspectives of industry, politics, trade associations, start-ups and research institutions.
PPWR, responsibility and competitiveness: day 1
The first day, 7 May, will be dedicated to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Discussions will focus on the practical consequences of the new requirements for companies, including the use of recyclates, quotas for reusable packaging, required recycling rates and hygiene criteria.
Tânia Dias da Costa (pacoon Sustainability Concepts) will outline the steps needed to implement PPWR regulatory requirements in companies. Frank Debusmann (REA Elektronik) will show how intelligent coding and marking systems can support PPWR-compliant recycling by improving the identification of materials and waste streams. Patricia Torres Mateus (OMRON Electronics) will present the role of automation in data collection, ensuring transparency and tracking products along the production line.
A panel discussion with representatives from industry and the European Commission will focus on the impact of PPWR on competitiveness, production locations and the situation of companies, customers and consumers. Participants will discuss both the opportunities and the risks arising from the new regulation.
Resource efficiency: day 2
On Friday 8 May, the forum programme will focus on resource efficiency. One example is the presentation by Pierre Michaels and Thomas Goetzl (TTE Strategy GmbH), who will show how appropriate organisational structures, benchmarking between sites and data-based dialogue can reveal and tap unused capacities in manufacturing companies.
Aasted will present topics related to optimising chocolate production processes and more efficient use of resources in this segment of the food and packaging industry. In a panel discussion, moderator Ton Knipscheer (European Co-Packers Association) will address with industry representatives the impact of geopolitical uncertainties, tariffs and regulatory pressure on supply chains and the innovation impulses these factors generate for the packaging industry.
Smart packaging and digital identification: day 3
Saturday 9 May will focus on smart packaging, digital identification and data-based business models. One of the topics will be the introduction of 2D codes and their potential for the industry. Craig Stobie (Domino Germany) will present the opportunities associated with implementing such identification solutions.
Using practical examples, Simon Hill and Ian Richards (TNA Northern Europe B.V.) will demonstrate how integrated packaging lines can increase efficiency while meeting safety, sustainability and quality requirements. Jürgen Lochner (Mosca) will show how machinery manufacturers are developing digital services and data-based business models to provide strategic support to their customers.
Dr Tobias Jochum (Fraunhofer IAP) will address digital product passports, brand protection and end-to-end traceability along the supply chain. These solutions are relevant both from the perspective of regulatory compliance and transparency towards end customers.
Intelligent systems and artificial intelligence: day 4
Sunday 10 May will be dedicated to automation and data-driven production models. Thomas Peter and Stephan Schuele (Syntegon Technology) will show how digital innovation, end-to-end processes and contactless automation can move companies towards the “factory of the future”.
In his presentation, Marco Facchin (BIOMETiC srl) will demonstrate how 3D computed tomography and explainable artificial intelligence can increase the precision of food inspection. Jan De Roeck (Esko-Graphics) will explain how AI-supported workflows can bring together regulatory requirements, sustainability targets and time-to-market cycles.
Christian Keßler (SEW Eurodrive) will outline the transition to a software-defined factory based on software and flexible system configuration. The contributions mentioned are examples of the broader programme dedicated to intelligent systems and AI applications.
Photo: Messe Düsseldorf / Constanze Tillmann
Circular economy: day 5
Monday 11 May will focus on value creation models in the circular economy. Kaisa Munukka (Metsä Board) will explain how data-based life cycle analyses, renewable raw materials and fossil-free energy sources can help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging and products.
Thomas Krämer (Wipotec) will show how appropriate product labelling and digital transparency enable traceability of origin and material flows, thereby supporting circular models. Based on strategic futurology, Gillian Garside Wright (Aura Consultants) will outline key trends up to 2050 and their influence on circularity, brand trust and innovation strategies.
Carsten Bertram, Head of Packaging Sustainability at Henkel Consumer Brands, will present the perspective of an international brand manufacturer. He will show how the requirements of the PPWR are being translated into specific packaging strategies and which practical implementations are already underway. Additional presentations are planned to explore current trends and development directions related to the circular economy.
Innovative materials and design for recycling: day 6
On Tuesday 12 May, the programme will focus on how innovative materials and design approaches can combine sustainability requirements with industrial performance. tesa SE will present the shift towards circular packaging solutions, showing how recycling-friendly designs, mono-material concepts and advanced adhesive systems can support resource efficiency.
Rosa González (AIMPLAS) will present sustainable polymer formulations for packaging applications. Lynsey Maddison (ProAmpac) will discuss material solutions consistently designed according to “design for recycling” principles, including mono-material and fibre-based products for different markets.
Dr Jörg Zacharias (Krones AG) will focus on the vision of fibre-based beverage bottles and will present the opportunities, limitations and industrialisation potential of bio-based, recyclable packaging solutions.
Young talents and the future of the industry: day 7
The final day of interpack 2026, 13 May, will be entirely dedicated to young professionals. The Spotlight Forum will be at the heart of the programme, both from the perspective of young talents and of companies in the packaging industry that want to become more attractive employers and recruit qualified staff.
In an open discussion round, industry associations such as VDMA and the Industrial Association for Plastic Packaging (IK) will exchange views on effective measures for recruiting young talent. Topics will include cooperation with universities, new qualification profiles and strategies for retaining young professionals in the sector over the long term.
Representatives from leading companies will also discuss how they foster young talent, how they support their targeted development and prepare them for key positions. Formats such as “NextGen Plastics”, developed in cooperation with IK, are intended to provide additional impetus and highlight prospects for the next generation of specialists in the packaging industry.
The complete programme for the Spotlight Forum is available in the programme database at https://www.interpack.com/2540. The content is continuously being expanded and updated.
